COMMUNAL CLASH: MANY LIVES LOST AS 7 VILLAGES EVACUATED

The Trans Sahara Highway linking Abakaliki in Ebonyi state and Ogoja in Cross River State as well as Northern parts of Nigeria was early Monday blocked at Ukele following clashes between the people of Igbeagu in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State and their neighbours in Iyala Local Government Area of Cross River State.

Radio Nigeria Correspondent who visited the affected area reports that about seven villages had been evacuated so far while many lives had been lost.

Some of those fleeing the warring zone told Radio Nigeria that many houses had been burnt and shops looted.

As at the time of filing this report sounds of gun shots were being heard at the highway prompting the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Dr. Kelechi Igwe who visited the displaced persons to order Soldiers and Policemen escorting him to clear the area of the attackers and ensure free flow of traffic.

Meanwhile, Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to revisit his complaint on the lingering boundary crisis between Ebonyi and Cross River States.

AMECHI ODO